Arugula-Almond Pesto Pizza
Total Time
45 minutes
Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Rating
5 out of 5 stars
(5)
Ingredients
8 servings
- 3 cups of packed fresh arugula and/or basil, tough stems removed
- ¾ cup sliced almonds
- ½ to ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 batch easy whole wheat pizza dough
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn, or part-skim mozzarella, shredded, or ¼-inch slices of goat cheese
- 1 small tomato, sliced thin
- 1 small yellow squash, quartered lengthwise and sliced into little triangle shapes
- Sprinkle of sliced almonds
- Sprinkle of fresh arugula or chopped basil
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
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Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit with a rack in the upper third of the oven. Or, if you’re using a pizza stone, make sure it’s in the oven on the appropriate rack (consult manufacturer’s directions).
Step 2
Toast the almonds: In a large skillet over medium heat, toast the almonds, while stirring frequently, until the almonds are fragrant and turning lightly golden at the edges. Transfer the almonds to a bowl to cool.
Step 3
To make the pesto: In a food processor, combine the arugula/basil, cooled almonds, Parmesan, garlic and salt. Pulse while drizzling in the olive oil. Stir in the lemon juice and season to taste with freshly ground black pepper.
Step 4
Prepare the pizza dough as directed. For best results, roll the dough out as thin as reasonably possible while maintaining an even surface level. Transfer each pizza crust onto individual pieces of parchment paper.
Step 5
Lightly oil the outer edge of the pizza with olive oil. Spread each pizza with ½ of the pesto. Top each pizza with cheese, sliced tomatoes, squash pieces and, finally, a sprinkle of sliced almonds.
Step 6
Transfer one pizza to the oven. Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese on top is bubbly (about 10 to 12 minutes on a baking sheet, or as few as 5 minutes on a baking stone). Repeat with remaining pizza. Top each pizza with a light sprinkle of fresh arugula or basil and, if desired, a dash of red pepper flakes. Slice and serve.
Step 7
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Chef's notes
Recipe adapted from my arugula walnut pesto and whole wheat pizza dough.
Preparation tips:
This recipe is designed for immediate consumption! The dough is best baked immediately after making, and the pesto will oxidize over time.
Change it up:
Feel free to trade other greens (like kale) for the arugula/basil or other toasted nuts for the almonds. Top the pizza with whatever’s in season!
Make it quick:
You can certainly buy pre-made pizza dough or pre-cooked flatbread instead of making your own dough. Just adjust toppings and baking time as necessary.
Recommended equipment:
This 7-cup Cuisinart food processor. My pizza dough got extra crisp and bubbly since I baked it on my oft-forgotten baking steel.
